Project Manager, Office of the Chief Programs Officer

FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

PROJECT MANAGER

Office of the Chief Programs Officer

Multiple Locations Considered

Application Deadline: 27 November 2022

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is designing a new global strategy to define its organizational direction from 2023 onward and to set ambitious goals to address major challenges affecting human rights worldwide. We are seeking a 6-month fixed term Project Manager (parental leave coverage) to support this exciting and complex work and who can be available from early January 2023.

This role will develop and manage the project plan and support facilitation of the strategy design process. The Project Manager will maintain big picture oversight of all aspects of project, support individual work streams, monitor deliverables and timelines, guide information management and reporting, and support effective and engaging communications across the organization. A strong sense of initiative, keen attention to detail, a natural problem-solving mindset and an enthusiasm for working creatively and collaboratively with others will be essential enablers for successful fulfilment of this role.

The Project Manager will ideally be based in an African or European location where we have an office. The position reports to the Special Adviser, Global Strategy and works closely with the Chief of Staff to the Chief Programs Officer/interim Executive Director.

Due to COVID-19, many of our global offices are operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely if local mandates necessitate. We recognize that this moment, during the pandemic, is a uniquely difficult time for most people, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, and we aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment for and onboarding of this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES*:*

1. Manage the monitoring system for the project plan*,* tracking work streams, monitoring dependencies, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs;

2. Contribute to the development of and manage the project plan, helping to set timelines and contingency plans across project phases;

3. Oversee the workplan for the Global Strategy Steering Group, settings agendas, and flagging issues for resolution;

4. Map staff engagement in the strategy consultation and identify meaningful methods and opportunities for input to ensure wide-ranging input from across Human Rights Watch;

5. Facilitate and schedule project team meetings, workstream meetings, meetings with external consultants and other groupings as necessary; take notes and prepare written summaries;

6. Liaise closely with individual work stream leads, maintaining oversight of deliverables and identifying blockages, risks, and opportunities for collaboration;

7. Maintain an overview of project risk; prepare regular project reports and status updates for senior stakeholders;

8. Ensure effective communication by helping to design creative internal communications in collaboration with relevant staff and external consultants, using digital, audiovisual and other resources to engage stakeholders;

9. Process the Global Strategy expenses and other relevant expenses and invoices; assist with tracking of finances and budget overview;

10. Contribute to positive, engaging ways of working and collaboration across teams; and

11. Carry out other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS*:*

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent training / work experience is required. We encourage applications from those who may not meet every requirement outlined below, particularly those who may be underrepresented in the sector.

Experience: A minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required. Previous experience in project management or coordination of complex projects in the non-profit sector is desirable.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Experience in project management and associated information management is required.

2. Demonstrable understanding and utilization of project management methodologies is required; previous training or qualification in project management is an asset.

3. Meticulous attention to detail; Experience in project monitoring and in tracking timelines and deliverables to ensure milestones are met is required.

4. Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within HRW and the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences is required, including by managing inquiries and input from colleagues.

5. Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder meetings, including preparing agendas, minutes, documents, reports, and presentations, and coordinating follow-up on key actions; Ability to manage schedules and coordinate events is required.

6. Experience in facilitating project team meetings is highly desirable.

7. Excellent time management skills and ability to work well under pressure while juggling multiple tasks simultaneously are required, as well as the ability to prioritize and work independently.

8. Experience with information management and online systems, especially Microsoft Office applications such as SharePoint, and other virtual project management tools is required.

9. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; Ability to synthesis large volumes of information into key points and accessible summaries and to produce project reports for senior stakeholders is required.

10. Ability to create efficient and creative internal communications to inspire and engage stakeholders, particularly digital communications, is an asset.

11. Strong interest in international human rights is an asset.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers comprehensive compensation and benefits.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by 27 November 2022 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a letter of interest and CV or resume. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, or if you require a disability-related accommodation, please email [email protected]. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse*. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.*

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.